Amara's Birthday

Amara had a Fancy Nancy party. She was, indeed, very fancy. Kris also got dressed up fancy in a black velvet skirt and black lace poncho. (Ditched that, though, when we got deeply into the "fancy" art projects and snacks!)

It was a BIG party. I think we were missing 4 girls or so in this picture. When I took the picture I didn't realize some of them hadn't come up from the basement when I called. Kris was more wiped out than Amara when it was over, definitely!

Waterpark on Thanksgiving Day

Both boys and Brian really enjoyed the surfing, but Emmett's pictures turned out the best. Kris did NOT enjoy it--just when she was getting the hang of it, the water would shoot her up to the top, tumbling head over heels.

I guess we'll be going back again one day soon with our free passes we got when Emmett slipped and ripped his chin open. Those "free"passes are actually pretty expensive since we had to pay $180 for the emergency room visit. (Could have been worse if we weren't already into the 80/20 section of our insurance.)

Removal of the tree

We were SAD that this monstruous tree had Dutch Elm disease and had to go. We had even continued the schedule of injections to try to keep it healthy.

Strangely enough, we didn't miss it as much as we thought we would when all was said and done. Now we had a more convenient place to store the boat...although we may change our tune when we notice the lack of shade next summer.

Our house

I'm not exactly sure why Brian wanted this picture on the blog...The flowers in front are long gone, you can't see the beautiful firey maple or the addition...but I guess you can see the porch we added on that we greatly enjoy!

Cub Scouts

Aedan is in his second year of Cub Scouts (Webelos 2). He'll be graduating shortly and entering Boy Scouts. Emmett just started this year and is in Wolves. It's kind of time-consuming, but they both love it--lots of fun, boyish projects and activities to work on. We wouldn't get around to doing stuff like that as often if left to our own devices!

Emmett's new trick

Here is Emmett with a new trick on the Trampoline.

It's MUCH harder than it looks! You should try it. :O)

Aedan at Eagle Bluff

The 5th grade field trip to Eagle Bluff is much anticipated for years before. Aedan was thrilled it was finally his turn. He enjoyed learning about environmental topics, doing a high ropes course, acting out some skits, and sleeping in a cabin with his classmates.